Backpacking

I am looking for new lightweight raincoats for each of us. I came across this wonderful innovative cut on Montbell’s Versalite rain jacket (Womens Medium 142 grams, Mens 168 grams A$190). This is a really genius idea. ‘Cut from a single … Continued

They have a variety of ultralight rechargeable torches, as well as this excellent charger/powerbank which is all you need to charge them (and anything else!) I already wrote about their remarkable Tube torch here and here. Now they have much … Continued

One of Gippsland’s ‘hidden gems’. This sand track lets you access Venus Bay Beach about 8 km out from Tarwin Lower on the Walkerville Rd. You have to be really looking out for it, or you will miss it. At … Continued

This is the simplest and cheapest way to make sure you don’t lose your hearing aids on a hiking or canoeing trip (such as this). Works with any BTE (Behind the ear) type hearing aid. Bulldog clip, (dyneema) string, two … Continued

Oh, the enchantments of Fiordland: Again and again I have returned to this lush green Eden searching for one of these surviving giants of the Pleistocene, which though deported from their ancient homeland in the vast Boreal forests of the … Continued

The ‘Big Five’ for less than $100 and under 3 kg! I recently posted about this 362 grams cheap 40 litre pack which you can buy from Amazon for US$20. I bought one just to see and found it very … Continued

Over the years I have made many projects out of this wonderful material, particularly tents but other things besides (see below). I use the 3 metre wide ‘Homewrap’ version which I source by the 30 metre roll from Bensons (Home) … Continued

Another interesting idea for charging those 18650 (or etc) lithium batteries (and the like) Only 20.5 grams. Weltool version, Folomov version from approx US$12.69 (Feb 2018) To convert it to a 3600 mAh power bank presumably you would attach it … Continued

I have become aware of this ‘new’ hiking chair this morning, the Mountainsmith Slingback Chair. It is normally US$24.95 but available on Massdrop for US$17.99 (Feb 2018) You have to say this chair looks very like the ‘Jerry Chair’ I … Continued

I sleep on my side too (and have suffered from sciatica) but I must have enough padding of my own, so I have never needed one – but evidently lots of folks do. John Abela has helped out all such … Continued

Having spent more than fifty years working outside in the rain I was delighted to see this take on the subject. It reminds me a bit of the old adage, ‘When it don’t rain the roof don’t leak; when it … Continued

You really don’t need a heap of expensive gear to get into hiking (or a ten ton load). You can start eg with a lightweight pack. You could consider the simple dual compartment 362 grams, 40 litre G4Free available at Amazon … Continued

Yesterday was. Our 45th wedding anniversary – so naturally we went for a walk! Mt St Gwinear to Mt St Phillack return makes an enjoyable 12 km on a very hot day down here in the valley (34C). Up there … Continued

‘Go light; the lighter the better, so that you have the simplest material for health, comfort and enjoyment.’ So he said way back in 1884. A ten pound canoe way back then! There are so many treasures you can download … Continued

The Nitecore F2 Charger: 46.5 grams plus battery weight, eg two X 18650s at 48 grams each = 6800 Mah of charging for a weight penalty of 142.5 grams (not bad), but if you add a second pair of batteries … Continued

You can make a delicious Makhani Dal for the trail very simply and inexpensively. The recipe below will make over a litre of dal which is more than Della and I can eat for a meal between us. If you … Continued

The quest for a dry back when hiking is never ending. I confess I punched a pattern of holes with a wad punch just like this in my Sitlight Pad prior to our Bartle Frère walk back in September for … Continued

How to dry your clothes when hiking? I have had a number of strategies. First I always wear clothing which is quick drying such as light weight ‘super wash’ wool and nylon for example. My first resort has always been … Continued

People carry too much gear. We are planning a trip to Scotland this year so we are working on how to fit everything we need into a couple of sub 500 gram backpacks such as these . For about a month … Continued